Zach Randolph named 2013 Western Conference All-Star

Z-Bo becomes first Grizzlies player to earn multiple All-Star appearances

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The NBA leader in double-doubles (27), “Z-Bo” is posting 16.1 points and 11.6 rebounds on .482 shooting in 35.1 minutes in 39 games this season, helping power Memphis to the best start in franchise history (27-14) at the season’s halfway point. Randolph ranks second among qualifying players in both total rebounding and offensive rebounding (4.3) and is one of two players in the league averaging at least 16 points and 11 rebounds (Dwight Howard).

“It is truly an honor to be named by the NBA’s coaches to the 2013 Western Conference All-Star team,” Randolph said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to playing with the best players in the world.”

Randolph (6-9, 255), who made his first All-Star appearance in 2010, becomes the first player in franchise history to earn multiple All-Star nods in a Grizzlies uniform. The 31-year-old is one of three Grizzlies to be named to the All-Star Game, along with Pau Gasol (2006) and Marc Gasol (2012). This also marks the first time the Grizzlies have sent a player to the All-Star Game in consecutive seasons (Marc Gasol, 2012).

Following a 2011-12 campaign in which he played just 28 games due to injury, Randolph has returned to average a double-double for the sixth time in his career. He recorded more than 10 points and more than 10 rebounds in all of the first 11 games of the season, making him one of three players (Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Love) in the last 32 seasons to accomplish such a feat.

The Marion, Ind. native posted one of the top performances in franchise history, erupting for 38 points and 22 rebounds – both season highs – in an overtime win on Dec. 4 vs. Phoenix, marking his fourth career 30-20 game and his highest scoring total in a Grizzlies uniform. The Michigan State product became the fourth player ever to post at least 38 points and 22 rebounds against Phoenix (Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Lanier) and the second player in the last 12 seasons to reach those statistical marks in a single game (Dwight Howard).

The 14 players selected were chosen by the 30 NBA head coaches, who were asked to vote for seven players in their respective conferences – two guards, three frontcourt players and two players regardless of position. They were not permitted to vote for players from their own team.

The East and West All-Star coaches and coaching staffs will be determined by the best record in the conference through games played Sunday, Feb. 3. The Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau and the Thunder’s Scott Brooks coached the East and West squads, respectively, last season and are therefore ineligible for the honor this year.

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